The Pompey Plod is officially underway, and Portsmouth is already showing just how special its community spirit really is. 

From Monday 12th to Friday 16th January, Clare Martin MBE is taking on an incredible challenge: plodding a marathon every day for five days, covering 100 miles across the city as part of a centenary challenge that aims to leave a lasting legacy for Portsmouth. The other 30miles will complete the challenge.  

Clare set off at 8:45am on Monday morning from Express FM, marking the start of what is going to be an unforgettable week. Her first marathon took her across the city, meeting supporters and partners along the way, including Stephen Morgan MP, our BTEC teams at John Jenkins Stadium, Delivered Social, Yvonne from Gunwharf, the Kings Theatre, and Goulpar, our amazing staff kit sponsor. Every stop brought encouragement, smiles and motivation, and by the end of the day Clare had successfully completed her first marathon.  

One down, four to go. 

Today we have seen the momentum continue to build. Clare was welcomed at Hampshire Flags with a fantastic guard of honour, setting the tone for another inspiring day on the plod. She then visited Biscoes Solicitors, who generously presented her with a cheque in support of the challenge, before continuing on to Free Spirit, Elis, Motorpoint Portsmouth, and Mountjoy, taking in a loop around Eastney before heading back towards Portsdown Hill. Another marathon completed, another powerful reminder of how much support sits behind this challenge. 

Clare has started strong, but there’s still a long way to go, and now is the perfect time to get involved. We’re inviting businesses, organisations and individuals to pledge their support in any way they can, whether that’s through financial donations, items or services, time, volunteering or encouragement, or any other creative way to help. Every pledge, no matter the size, makes a real difference. You can also donate to Clare to help her finish the challenge!  

If you’d like to support Clare, cheer her on, or help turn this challenge into a lasting legacy for Portsmouth, you can donate or make a pledge via the form on our website:
👉 https://pompeyitc.co.uk/ 

Thank you to everyone who has already shown their support, and to those who will join us over the coming days. The Pompey Plod has started, and Portsmouth is right behind it 💙🏃‍♀️